Bogus callers are pressurizing people into having their lofts insulated by warning them their council tax could rise unless they agree to the work.

Torridge District Council has issued a warning about the fraudsters, who claim to be working on its behalf in the Taddiport area.

The "Real Green Deal" door knockers have told residents they need to assess their cavity or loft insulation.

The council said that was "categorically" not the case.

"No-one has been asked to inspect local residents' cavity or loft insulation on behalf of the council, and it is not true to say that the council tax is calculated using energy efficiency measures," an authority spokesman said.

Any resident confronted by someone claiming to be from the "Real Green Deal" or any other insulation or energy efficiency company should insist on seeing bona fide credentials, the council said.